Insoles, insoles for high heel shoes, and methods of making and using same

ABSTRACT

An insole for a shoe can include a top surface, an opposing bottom surface, a rear end and an opposing front end. At least a section of the top surface proximate the rear end can be concave. At least a section of the bottom surface proximate the rear end can be convex. A plurality of spaced-apart holes can extend through the insole from the top surface to the bottom surface. The plurality of spaced-apart holes can be arranged in two rows. A first row of the two rows can be spaced radially inward with respect to a second row of the two rows. Each of the plurality of holes of the first row can have the same size. Each of the plurality of holes of the second row can have the same size.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation application of InternationalApplication No. PCT/US2019/016770, filed Feb. 6, 2019, which claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/627,828, filed Feb. 8,2018 and titled “INSOLES, AND INSOLES FOR HIGH HEEL SHOES,” and U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/722,212, filed Aug. 24, 2018 and titled“INSOLES, INSOLES FOR HIGH HEEL SHOES, AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USINGSAME,” both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentirety.

FIELD

The presently disclosed technology relates generally to insoles. Moreparticularly, in one embodiment, the presently disclosed technologyrelates to insoles for high heel shoes.

BACKGROUND

FIG. 1 shows a conventional high heel shoe, generally designated 10,which includes a heel 12, a heel breast 14, a heel tip 16, a shank (notvisible from the exterior of the shoe, but generally in the vicinity ofreference numeral 18) and a forefoot section 20. The shank is aninternal component (e.g., often made of metal, composite, or anotherstiff material) that structurally supports the suspended arch region ofthe shoe. High heel shoes are generally uncomfortable for a user, atleast because a significant amount of the weight of the user is focusedor directed toward or to the user's forefoot, resulting in highpressures on at least the metatarsal heads of the foot

Similarly, other footwear, such as shoes that are not high heels, can beuncomfortable for a user. Certain conventional insoles includerelatively small perforations in the forefoot section thereof. Theseperforations are designed to impart breathability to the insole and helpreduce moisture and odor that can linger in the insole. Suchperforations are too small to increase the flexibility of the insole.

SUMMARY

It would be desirable to provide an insole for a shoe that overcomes theabove and other drawbacks of the prior art.

In one embodiment, the presently disclosed technology is directedgenerally to improving the feel, comfort and/or performance of insolesand/or shoes, such as but not limited to high heel shoes. The presentlydisclosed technology includes insoles having a plurality of spaced-apartholes that extend therethrough. The size, shape and arrangement of theholes can contribute to increasing comfort and/or flexibility in a highheel shoe.

More particularly, in one embodiment, the plurality of spaced-apartholes allow for variation or selective variability of the properties ofa structure made from a single and/or stiff material. The plurality ofspaced-apart holes allow the insole to be flexible in regions whereneeded or desired, and stiff and/or supportive in other regions of theinsole.

In another embodiment, the presently disclosed technology is directed toan insole for a shoe. The insole can include a body section having a topsurface, an opposing bottom surface, a rear end and an opposing frontend. At least a portion of the top surface proximate the rear end can beconcave. At least a portion of the bottom surface proximate the rear endcan be convex. The insole can also include forefoot section having a topsurface, an opposing bottom surface, a rear end and an opposing frontend. The rear end of the forefoot section can be attached to the frontend of the body section. A line of demarcation can separate the bodysection from the forefoot section. The line of demarcation can extendacross an entire width of the insole. The insole can include a pluralityof spaced-apart holes that extend through the body section from the topsurface to and/or through the bottom surface.

In yet another embodiment, the presently disclosed technology isdirected to an insole for a shoe. The insole can include a top surface,an opposing bottom surface, a rear end and an opposing front end. Atleast a section of the top surface proximate the rear end can beconcave. At least a section of the bottom surface proximate the rear endcan be convex. A plurality of spaced-apart holes can extend through theinsole from the top surface to the bottom surface. The plurality ofspaced-apart holes can be arranged in two rows. A first row of the tworows can be spaced radially inwardly with respect to a second row of thetwo rows. Each of the plurality of holes of the first row can have thesame size. Each of the plurality of holes of the second row can have thesame size. Each of the plurality of holes of the first row can besmaller than each of the plurality of holes of the second row.

In still another embodiment, the presently disclosed technology isdirected to an insole for a high heel shoe that includes a plurality ofspaced-apart holes that extend through the insole. The plurality ofspaced-apart holes increase the flexibility of the insole therebyallowing the insert to more readily flex, accommodate the shape of thefoot, distribute load more evenly, reduce peak loads and/or enhancecomfort.

In a further embodiment, the presently disclosed technology is directedto an insole for a high heel shoe that includes a plurality ofspaced-apart holes that extend through the insole. The plurality ofspaced-apart holes increase the flexibility of the insole, therebyproviding cushioning and/or impact attenuation during running and/orwalking.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofthe presently disclosed technology, will be better understood when readin conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose ofillustrating the presently disclosed technology, there are shown in thedrawings various illustrative embodiments. It should be understood,however, that the presently disclosed technology is not limited to theprecise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a high heel shoe of the prior art;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of an insole according to an embodimentof the presently disclosed technology;

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view thereof;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view thereof;

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view thereof;

FIG. 6 is an elevation view of a first side thereof;

FIG. 7 is an elevation view of an opposing second side thereof;

FIG. 8 is a front elevation view thereof;

FIG. 9 is a rear elevation view thereof;

FIG. 10 is cross-sectional side elevation view of an insole placed in ahigh heel shoe according to one embodiment of the presently disclosedtechnology; and

FIG. 11 is a magnified view of a portion of the combination shown inFIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While systems, devices and methods are described herein by way ofexamples and embodiments, those skilled in the art recognize that thesystems, devices and methods of the presently disclosed technology arenot limited to the embodiments or drawings described. Rather, thepresently disclosed technology covers all modifications, equivalents andalternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.Any headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and arenot meant to limit the scope of the description or the claims.

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenienceonly and is not limiting. The words “bottom,” “top,” “left,” “right,”“lower” and “upper” designate directions in the drawings to whichreference is made. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a,”“an” and “the” are not limited to one element but instead should be readas meaning “at least one.” As used herein, the word “may” is used in apermissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to) rather than themandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). The terminology includes the wordsnoted above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicate likeelements throughout, FIGS. 2-9 show an insole, generally designated 100,according to the presently disclosed technology. FIGS. 2-9 show aninsole designed for a right foot, and a corresponding or mirror-imageinsole can be designed for the left foot. In one embodiment, the insoleis designed for high heel shoes having a heel height of two or moreinches. However, in one embodiment, the presently disclosed technologycan be incorporated into insoles for non-high heel or flatter shoes,such as running shoes or women's flats. Although only a ¾ length insoleis shown, the presently disclosed technology can be incorporated intoinsoles of any length or width.

Whether the insole is designed for a high heel shoe (e.g., two or moreinches of heel height) or a flatter shoe can depend upon the hardness ordurometer of the material used to construct the insole. For example, aplate (an example of which is described below) of the insole can be madeto have a higher durometer or a lower durometer. Optionally, a singleplate or another portion of the insole can be formed with two or moresections, each of which can have a different durometer. In oneembodiment, the plate of an insole designed for higher shoes (e.g., afour inch high heel) has a higher durometer than the plate of an insoledesigned for a lower shoe (e.g., a running shoe). Similarly, the higherthe heel of the shoe, the higher the durometer of the plate of theinsole. The numerical value or range for the durometer of differentportions of the insole can depend on several factors, such as the natureof the footwear and height.

Referring to FIGS. 2-9, the insole 100 can include a body or rearsection 102 having a top surface 104, an opposing bottom surface 106, arear end 108 and an opposing front end 110. At least a portion of thetop surface 104 proximate the rear end 108 can be concave. At least aportion of the bottom surface 106 proximate the rear end 108 can beconvex. The body section 102 can include or be formed by a heel sectionand a mid-foot section, which can be designed to support the arch, amongother portions of the foot.

The insole 100 can also include forefoot or front section 112 having atop surface 114, an opposing bottom surface 116, a rear end 118 and anopposing front end 119. At least a portion of the top surface 114proximate the rear end 118 can be flat, or generally or substantiallyflat. At least a portion of the bottom surface 116 proximate the rearend 118 can be flat, or generally or substantially flat. The forefootsection 112 can be designed, sized and/or shaped to support (at least inpart or even entirely) the ball of the foot and/or one or all of themetatarsals of the foot.

The rear end 118 of the forefoot section 112 can be attached to thefront end 110 of the body section 102. In one embodiment, a line ofdemarcation 120 separates the body section 102 from the forefoot section112. The line of demarcation 120 can extend across an entire width W(see FIG. 5) of the insole 100. The insole 100 can be configured to foldmore easily at the line of demarcation 120 than at any other part of theinsole 100. In one embodiment, the line of demarcation 120 is onlyvisible on the bottom of the insole 100, and not on the top of theinsole (e.g., compare FIG. 4 to FIG. 5).

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the line of demarcation 120 can define thepoint (or line) where the forefoot section 112 extends at an angle withrespect to the body section 102. For example, the top surface 114 of theforefoot section 112 can extend at an angle, such as approximately 30degrees, with respect to the top surface 104 of the body section 102.

The insole 100 can include means for increasing flexibility. In oneembodiment, the means for increasing flexibility is a plurality ofspaced-apart holes 122 that extend through the body section 102 from thetop surface 104 to the bottom surface 106. The holes 122 can increasethe force attenuation and/or force distribution capacity of the insole100, thereby creating or adding flexibility to the insole 100 and/orcreating a more comfortable insole for the user.

Flexibility is important for two reasons. First, flexibility allows thecontour of the insert to flex and accommodate the shape of the foot,while distributing load more evenly, thereby reducing peak loads andenhancing comfort. Second, dynamic flexion of the insert providescushioning and/or impact attenuation during walking and running.

Optionally, the holes 122 can lower the stiffness of the insole 100 andthereby make the insole 100 more flexible than if the holes 122 were notincluded in the insole 100. Alternatively or additionally, the holes 122provide for the spatial redistribution of load.

Optionally, a fabric or cloth layer (not shown) can be attached to thetop surface 104. The fabric layer can include or omit the holes 122

The size of the holes 122 can be based on the durometer of the plate ofthe insole 100 and/or the curvature of contour of at least a portion ofthe top surface of the insole 100. For example, for an insole having aplate with a lower durometer, the size of each hole 122 is smaller thanan insole having a plate with a higher durometer. Conversely, in oneembodiment, an insole having a plate with a higher durometer has holes122 that are larger than an insole having a plate with a lowerdurometer. This is because less flexibility or stiffness on account ofthe holes 122 is needed or desired wherein a higher durometer materialis employed. The degree of curvature and/or contour of a top surface ofthe insole 100 can impact the size of the holes 122.

Optionally, in one embodiment, larger and more closely spaced holes 122can be placed or created in portions of the insole where moreflexibility is required or desired. Alternatively, smaller or furtherspaced holes 122 can be placed or created in portions of the insolewhere less flexibility is required or desired.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2-9, the plurality of spaced-apartholes 122 can be arranged in two or more spaced-apart rows. A first row124 of the two or more spaced-apart rows can be spaced-apart radiallyinwardly with respect to a second row 126 of the two or morespaced-apart rows. In one embodiment, each of the first and second rows124, 126 is arranged to follow or mimic the shape or curvature of theouter peripheral edge of the insole 100. In one embodiment, the forefootsection 112 does not include any holes that extend therethrough.

In one embodiment, each hole 122 of the first row 124 has the same size.In the same or a different embodiment, each hole 122 of the second row126 has the same size. Optionally, each hole 122 of the first row 124can be smaller than each hole 122 of the second row 126. Moreparticularly, in one embodiment, each of the holes 122 of both the firstand second rows 124, 126 can have a circular shape, and each hole 122 ofthe first row 124 can have a smaller diameter than each hole of thesecond row 126. However, the holes 122 are not limited to a circularshape, but can be of any geometry that provides the functionalitydescribed herein. For example, the holes 122 of the first row 124 canhave the same size (e.g., diameter) as the holes 122 of the second row126.

In one embodiment, the holes 122 of at least the first row 124 can besufficiently small so that a user or wearer cannot feel the holes of thefirst row 124 when wearing shoes that include the insole 100.Optionally, the holes 122 of the first row 124 can have a diameter inthe range of 1-7 millimeters, and the holes 122 of the second row 126can have a diameter in the range of 1-7 millimeters. For example, in oneembodiment, the holes 122 of the first row 124 can have a diameter ofapproximately 2 millimeters, and the holes 122 of the second row 126 canhave a diameter of approximately 3 millimeters.

Optionally, each hole 122 can be formed during a molding process of theinsole 100. Alternatively, each hole 122 can be formed after the moldingprocess is completed, such as during a punching process.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 5-7 and 9, a projection 128 can extend outwardlyfrom the bottom surface 106 of the body section 102. The projection 128can extend in a continuous, serpentine path between each or several ofthe adjacent holes 122 in the first row 124. The size, shape and/orconfiguration of the projection 128 can depend upon the size and/orgrading of the insole 100. The term “grading” is defined herein to referto insoles for different shoe sizes (e.g., a size 11 and a size 9 of thesame type or style insole). For example, for insoles of the same type orstyle, the ratios of the various components or portions of the insoleswould be the same, but the size of the various components would bedifferent. The features of the size 11 insole would need to be gradeddifferently than the same features of the size 9 insole.

In one embodiment, the projection 128 is configured to add rigidity orstiffness to the insole 100. Alternatively or additionally, theprojection 128 functions as a gripper or adds friction between theinsole and the interior of the bed of a shoe. For example, theprojection 128 can help to secure the insole 100 within the shoe andprevent it from undesirably moving forward with respect to the shoe. Inaddition, the insole 100 can have one or more additional features toprevent slipping of the insole 100 with respect to the shoe, such as aplurality of spaced-apart spikes 130 that extend outwardly from thebottom surface 106 of the body section 102.

Optionally, the insole 100 is formed at least partially of a foam,polymeric material(s) (e.g., nylon and/or thermoplastic urethane) and/orcomposite materials. The insoles can be made of a separate material (ormaterials) from the shoe, and can be selectively removable from andinsertable into the shoe. The plate (e.g., a contoured plate) can formthe bottom surface 106 of the body section 102 of the insole 100. In oneembodiment, the plate forms the entire bottom surface of the bodysection 102, but forms no part of the bottom surface of the forefootsection 112. The plate can be formed of a polymeric material, and can bemore rigid than a material used to form the top surface 104 of the bodysection 102.

In one embodiment, the insole 100 can be formed of three discrete ordifferent materials or layers. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and6, the bottom surface 106 of the body section 102 can be formed of apolymeric material 132, a midsection of the body section 102 and thebottom surface 116 of the forefoot section 112 can be formed of a firstfoam or fabric material 134, and the top surface 104 of the body section102 and the top surface 114 of the forefoot section can be formed of asecond foam or fabric material 136.

Alternatively, the insole 100 or the plate thereof can be formed frommulti-material injection molding (MMM) fabrication, such asmulti-component, multi-shot, or over-molding. In one example, whenviewing the insole 100 from the perspective of FIG. 5, the portion ofthe insole 100 inside the projection 128 (and possibility including theprojection 128) can be formed of a first material having a relativelyhigh durometer. The portion of the insole 100 outside the projection 128(e.g., between the projection 128 and the outer edge of the insole 100)can be formed of a second material having a lower durometer than thefirst material. The higher durometer section can improve support, gripand/or spring. The lower durometer section can improve flexibilityand/or adaptability to different footwear (e.g., shoes) and/orindividuals. Optionally, the forefoot section 112 can be formed of anentirely different or third material.

Optionally, the insole 100 can be designed and/or manufacturedseparately from a shoe to which the insole 100 is to be used with. Theinsole 100 can be inserted or slipped into the shoe for use. In oneembodiment, there is no requirement to mechanically or chemically attachthe insole 100 to the interior of the shoe, such as by stitching.

The insole 100 of the presently disclosed technology includes highersidewalls than prior art insoles. The higher sidewalls provide moresupporting surface area to the foot, which dissipates and/or distributespeak pressures. The insole 100 can also provide additional cushioningcompared to prior art insoles.

FIGS. 10-11 show another embodiment of the presently disclosedtechnology. Similar or identical structure between the embodiment ofFIGS. 1-9 and the embodiment of FIGS. 10-11 is distinguished in FIGS.10-11 by a reference number with a magnitude one hundred (100) greaterthan that of FIGS. 1-9. Description of certain similarities between theembodiment of FIGS. 1-9 and the embodiment of FIGS. 10-11 may be omittedherein for convenience and brevity only.

The insole of the present embodiment can include a cushioning element250 and a plate 252. The cushioning element 250 can be attached to theplate 252, such as by adhesive. Alternatively, the cushioning element250 can be formed with the plate 252. Optionally, a forefoot cushioningpad 254 can be attached to the cushioning element 250 or formed as partof the cushioning element 250. The forefoot cushioning pad 254 can helpto hold the insole in place within the shoe.

Referring specifically to FIG. 10, as identified by area A, the insoleof the present embodiment can be designed to include an arch when theinsole is in a resting or non-active position. When in use, the insolecan depress at the arch (e.g., area A) and then naturally rebound orreturn during walking gait.

Referring specifically to FIG. 11, as identified by area B, the plate252 can include a large radius to anatomically support the heel of theuser and/or to disperse downward pressure caused by the foot within theshoe. The insole can include one or more first set of grippingstructures and one or more second set of gripping structures. The firstset of gripping structures can be located and/or spaced-apart on avertical sidewall of the plate 252. The second set of grippingstructures can be located and/or spaced-apart on a bottom surface of theplate 252.

The presently disclosed technology also includes a method of forming(such as, but not limited to, molding) an insole for a shoe. Optionally,the shoe can be a high heel shoe having a heel height of at least twoinches. The insole can include a top surface, an opposing bottomsurface, a rear end and an opposing front end. The method can includeforming (e.g., molding) a plurality of spaced-apart holes that extendthrough the insole from the top surface to the bottom surface toincrease the flexibility of the insole.

The presently disclosed technology also includes a method for increasingthe flexibility of an insole. The method includes forming a plurality ofspaced-apart holes through the portion of insole that is positionedbeneath the heel and arch of the foot.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could bemade to the embodiments described above without departing from the broadinventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that thepresently disclosed technology is not limited to the particularembodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications withinthe spirit and scope of the presently disclosed technology as defined bythe appended claims.

1. An insole for a shoe, the insole comprising: a body section having atop surface, an opposing bottom surface, a rear end and an opposingfront end, the body section configured to support and be positionedbeneath at least an arch and heel of a foot; and a forefoot sectionhaving a top surface, an opposing bottom surface, a rear end and anopposing front end, the rear end of the forefoot section being attachedto the front end of the body section, the forefoot section configured tosupport and be positioned beneath at least the ball of the foot, whereina plurality of spaced-apart holes extend through the body section fromthe top surface to the bottom surface, the plurality of spaced-apartholes being configured to provide flexibility to the insole, wherein theplurality of spaced-apart holes are arranged in two rows, and wherein afirst row of the two rows is spaced radially inwardly with respect to asecond row of the two rows.
 2. The insole of claim 1, wherein a firstone of the plurality of spaced-apart holes is larger than a second oneof the plurality of spaced-apart holes.
 3. The insole of claim 1,wherein a remainder of the insole aside from the two rows does notinclude any holes.
 4. (canceled)
 5. The insole of claim 1, wherein eachhole of the first row of the two rows has the same size, and whereineach hole of the second row of the two rows has the same size.
 6. Theinsole of claim 1, wherein each hole of the first row is smaller thaneach hole of the second row.
 7. The insole of claim 1, wherein each holeof the first row has a smaller diameter than each hole of the secondrow.
 8. The insole of claim 1, wherein each of the holes of both thefirst and second rows has a circular shape.
 9. The insole of claim 1,wherein the forefoot section does not include any holes extending fromthe top surface to the bottom surface thereof.
 10. The insole of claim1, wherein a projection extends outwardly from the bottom surface of thebody section, the projection extending in a serpentine path betweenseveral of the adjacent holes in the first row.
 11. The insole of claim1, wherein at least a portion of the top surface of the body sectionproximate the rear end thereof is concave, wherein at least a portion ofthe bottom surface of the body section proximate the rear end thereofbeing convex.
 12. The insole of claim 1, wherein a line of demarcationseparates the body section from the forefoot section, the line ofdemarcation extending across an entire width of the insole.
 13. Aninsole for a shoe, the insole comprising: a top surface, an opposingbottom surface, a rear end and an opposing front end, a plurality ofspaced-apart holes extending through the insole from the top surface tothe bottom surface, the plurality of spaced-apart holes being arrangedin two rows, a first row of the two rows being spaced radially inwardlywith respect to a second row of the two rows, each hole of the first rowhaving the same size, each hole of the second row having the same size,each hole of the first row being smaller than each hole of the secondrow, the insole further comprising a body section including theplurality of spaced-apart holes and a forefoot section devoid of anyholes extending from a top surface to a bottom surface thereof.
 14. Theinsole of claim 13, wherein each hole of the first row has a smallerdiameter than each hole of the second row.
 15. (canceled)
 16. The insoleof claim 13, further comprising: a line of demarcation separating thebody section from the forefoot section, the line of demarcationextending across an entire width of the insole.
 17. The insole of claim13, wherein a projection extends outwardly from a bottom surface of thebody section, the projection extending in a serpentine path betweenseveral adjacent holes in the first row.
 18. The insole of claim 13,wherein each hole of both the first and second rows has a circularshape.
 19. The insole of claim 13, wherein at least a section of the topsurface proximate the rear end being concave, and wherein at least asection of the bottom surface proximate the rear end being convex.20.-27. (canceled)